Gerald 'Jerry' Sweet

GERALD SWEET

Cedar Rapids

Gerald "Jerry" Lewis Sweet, 79, died Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW. Burial will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Brosh Chapel.

Gerald was born July 19, 1936, in Watopa Township, Minn., the son of Lewis and Christine (Melstrom) Sweet. He served in the Iowa National Guard. Gerald was united in marriage to Carolyn Sharp on Oct. 12, 1958, in Clarion. Jerry worked at FMC Linkbelt Speeder for 14 years and then opened Sweet Body Shop in Ely. He collected and specialized in the restoration of Model Ts and antique cars. He was a proud member of the Antique Automobile Car Club of America. Jerry enjoyed his annual trips to Hershey, Pa., with all his buddies and family. He loved to go to Las Vegas with his "wolfpack," as well as spending time with his family. Jerry had a big laugh, great personality, was always up for a good time and never met a stranger.

Gerald is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Carolyn; two sons, Dave (Linda) Sweet of St. Paul, Minn., and Jon (Sandra) Sweet of Ely; three daughters, Diane (Jeff) Harms and Donna (Mike) Franks, both of Cedar Rapids, and Janet (Tae) Sweet-Chung of Marion; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; two sisters Kay Sweet of Mankato, Minn., and Cindy (Bob) Musech of Hibbing, Minn.; and a brother Dale (Mary) Sweet of Florida.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dale; daughter, Beth Ann; and five of his siblings.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.